--- ## author: Jacobson, Nicole date: D:20260326094208-05'00' --- ## Scott County ## Parks Advisory Commission April 1, 2026 ## ** Note Meeting Location and Time** ## 6:00PM ## Scott County Government Center ## Board Room-GCE 226 200 4 th ## Ave W ## Shakopee MN, 55379 in partnership with This page left intentionally blank. Regular meetings of the Scott County Parks Advisory Commission are normally held the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM in the County Board Room of the Scott County Government Center. Meetings are open to the public. Contact Patty Freeman at 952-496-8752 if you have an item you would like placed on the agenda. ## SCOTT COUNTY PARKS ADVISORY COMMISSION ## P ## RELIMINARY AGENDA 6:00 P.M. – April 1, 2026 ## ******Scott County Government Center******* 200 4 th ## Ave W Shakopee, MN 55379 Meeting 6:00PM ## Scott County Government Center-Board Room-GCE-226 ## 1) Roll Call – Lauri Schmid, Chair ## Barb Hedstrom, At Large ## Lauri Schmid, At Large ## Cary Coop, District 1 ## Eric Spieler, District 2 ## Carter McNew, District 3 ## Martin Jessen, District 4 ## Jody Stone, District 5 ## Commissioner Jody Brennan, Scott County Board Liaison 2) Pledge of Allegiance 3) Approval of Agenda 4) Recognition of Interested Citizens for Items Not on the Agenda (No action will be taken.) ## 5) Administration, Planning and Development ## 6) Programming, Outreach, Communications ## a. Metro Regional Parks Equity Grant Program ## 7) Maintenance, Operations and Natural Resources (6:45 PM) a. Let’s Go Fishing Check In and Consideration to Continue Partnership ## 8) Informational Items ## a. Projects/Other Updates ­ Blakeley Bluffs Park Reserve long-range planning project update ­ Staff presenting at Blakeley Town Board on April 7 at 7PM ­ Play area projects kicking off b. Programs and Events ## ­ April Wellness Calendar ## ­ April Recreation Calendar ## a. Advisory Commissioner Reports and Nature Connections ## 9) Upcoming PAC Meetings - Tentative Topics and Location (7:30PM) a. May 6, 2026 ­ Blakeley Long Range-Plan Project Update / Discussion ­ 2027 Budget update b. June 3, 2026 @ Cedar Lake Farm Page 2 of 2 ­ Review Let’s Go Fishing Operations in the Field ­ Blakeley Bluffs Park Reserve long-range planning project update ­ Play areas project update and review Cedar Lake Farm site ­ 2027 budget update ## 10) Meeting Adjourn Page 1 of 2 ## PARKS COMMISSION WORKSHOP ## AGENDA ITEM: 6.a. Metropolitan Parks Equity Grant Program - ## MEETING DATE: April 1, 2026 ## PREPARED BY: Patricia Freeman ## REQUESTED ACTION: Informational; Feedback Requested The purpose of this agenda item is to provide an overview of the Metropolitan Council’s Equity Grant Program and to inform the Parks Advisory Commission of grant project concepts staff is considering submitting in the fall of 2026. The PAC is asked to provide feedback to staff on the ideas. While the Metropolitan Council has not yet released a Notification of Funding Availability for Regional Park Agencies to submit capital and non-capital equity-focused projects for funding consideration through their equity grant program, it is anticipated to be released soon and for grant applications to be due in the fall of 2026. ## Background of the Equity Grant Program The Equity Grant Program managed and funded by the Metropolitan Council emerged from the efforts of the 10-metro area regional park agencies who, through the 2040 regional parks policy plan process, worked strenuously to identify meaningful ways to advance equity across the metro regional park system. The concept of such a program was formally adopted in 2014, as a part of the 2040 regional parks policy plan, and it was one of the highest priorities, if it not the highest priority, of each of the 10 park agencies to have developed and underway as soon as possible. After 5 years of additional advocating by the park agencies, the metropolitan council created the grant program in 2019. ## The Grant Program The Equity Grant Program provides funding to metro regional park agencies for capital and noncapital projects “that will strengthen equitable usage of regional parks and trails by all our region’s residents, across age, race, ethnicity, income, national origin, and ability. The program is also designed to enhance institutional capacity around equity work across the regional parks system and with individual agencies.” Eligibility is restricted to the 10 regional park agencies. The process is competitive amongst these agencies. Funding for the program comes from the Metropolitan Council’s unspent bonding capacity for parks and trails and the interest earnings from the Council’s park funds. ## Scott County’s Successful Equity Grant Project Submittals ## 1. 2021 - Cedar Lake Fishing Improvements 2. 2021 - Nature Based Mental Health and Wellness Program – Phase 1 3. 2024 - Nature Based Mental Health and Wellness Program – Phase 2 Page 2 of 2 ## Project Ideas for the 2026 Equity Grant Program 1. Summer Reading Camps – This concept involves creating free, fun summer camps consisting of a mix of outdoor recreation and nature-based activities along with activities aimed to maintain and build reading skills. The camps would be developed for kids who are not or barely meeting reading benchmarks and camp seats would be targeted to these families. Partners on the project so far include Scott County libraries. Staff is in the process of establishing partneship with schools, having met with Principal Bakeberg of Jordan who is in the process of introducing us to contacts within Jordan elementary schools. Staff is in the process of contacting Belle Plaine and New Prague Schools and other partners. 2. All-Terrain Track Chair – Staff are researching Track chairs (all-terrain, electric-powered wheelchairs) and will be having preliminary discussions with operations and maintenance staff about the possibility of this type of rental equipment within the Scott County Regional Park System. Staff plans to seek further ideas from the extended Scott-Three Rivers Parks team at a team meeting on April 9. ## PARKS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM: 7.a. 2026 Let’s Go Fishing ## MEETING DATE: April 1, 2026 ## PREPARED BY: Thomas Gorycki REQUESTED ACTION: Recommendation to approve the 2026/2027 ## partnership with Let’s Go Fishing The primary purpose of this agenda item is for the PAC to make a recommendation on whether to approve a 2026/2027 partnership with Let’s Go Fishing. The visit by Let’s Go Fishing board members and their presentation also provide an opportunity for the PAC to receive an update on the work of LGF. A presentation will be made, including an overview of the 2025 Scott County Chapter of Let’s Go Fishing season and a preview of the upcoming 2026 season. Thomas Gorycki will present on behalf of Let’s Go Fishing, and Thomas Gorycki will present on behalf of park maintenance and operations. ## BACKGROUND: The mission of the nonprofit Let’s Go Fishing is to enrich the lives of individuals by bringing the healing of nature through boating excursions. The Let’s Go Fishing mission aligns with the County’s vision of “Delivering What Matters” by creating safe, healthy and livable communities. On May 5, 2015 the Scott County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2015-082 (attached) in support of providing a host site for the LGF pontoon at Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park, providing basic program support, offering use of existing facilities, and allowing for a Park liaison to the LGF Scott County Chapter’s board to ensure smooth communication. Let’s Go Fishing is operated by a volunteer board, volunteer captains, first mates, and have one seasonal paid staff member. Every year, the Scott-Three Rivers Operations group and the Maintenance group make an internal review of the Scott County-Three Rivers partnership with Let’s Go Fishing. This is done to maintain a healthy and productive working partnership, to maximize the benefit of working together and serving residents and visitors to Scott County and to keep within the partnership framework approved by the County Board. We look at what worked well, what challenges were worked through, and what could be improved. The partnership with Let's Go Fishing is summarized below: ## 2025 Let’s Go Fishing Summary In 2025, the program served offered 90 trip, serving over 734 riders, reaching across Scott County and other neighboring communities. Much of the riders come from senior and specialty facilities. Arriving by bus or van, many enjoy a pre-trip lunch under the Cedar Lake Regional Park picnic pavilion. Going into 2026, Let’s Go Fishing is supported by a volunteer board, 18 volunteer captains, 24 volunteer first mates. In 2024, the LGF board identified expanding the volunteer base as a key growth opportunity. While there is significant interest and many new applicants each year, a number of these individuals do not transition into active volunteers. Addressing this, they focused on speeding up training times in 2024 and into 2025, as lengthy training was identified as a barrier. Additionally, paid office staff increased outreach to new volunteers as well as reengaging senior volunteers, encouraging them to take shadowing trips or to help fill in gaps on trips. In previous years, Let’s Go Fishing faced August cancellations due to a lack of volunteers, but this has not been an issue in the past two years. In 2024 and 2025, the board accepted three new board members, marking an exciting turning point in the chapter’s future - ensuring the local needs and vision are sustained. All fundraising and assets are owned and managed through the Scott County Chapter of Let’s Go Fishing and Board of Directors. In addition to the business excitement, there was plenty of fun happening on the boat this summer. · Communication with volunteers and facilities ## · Partnering with the Parks Wellness Program · Volunteer engagement · Sharing participant stories with supporters · New fundraising efforts to expand our trip offerings Going into the 2026 season, the board is planning to offer about the same number of trips as the previous year and to focus its efforts on training its board. One big focus will be to continue recruiting new volunteers and to increase its active volunteer base. ## 2025 LGF Operational Partnership Summary ## Contributions from the Scott-Three Rivers Parks Partnership Operation: Provided a host site for the pontoon • Park Maintenance staff installs and removes dock at the beginning and end of the season • LGF pontoon is docked on-site at CLF for the duration of the season • Boat launching and taking out assistance • Keeping boat secure and looking after it during the summer season. • LGF pontoon is stored off-site in cold storage at Blakeley Bluffs after it has been winterized. Provided basic program support • Park maintenance staff ensures that the LGF pontoon has fuel – fuel checks 2x per week • Fuel runs into town to fill gas cans for the boat. • Weekly check of the electrical service at the dock for the boat lift and charging systems. • LGF golf cart is stored in corn crib for easy access • Special Use Permit for use of the dock and shelter • Seasonal staff liaison that is hired by TRPD and works on behalf of LGF (Paid for by LGF) Facility uses • Pavilion o Access to Shelter during the week (Monday - Thursday) to host events - Groups typically have lunch at the Pavilion before or after their excursion. (This is not exclusive use) o LGF uses classroom space for training and for monthly meetings. o LGF Volunteers have a code to access classroom space at the pavilion. o Bait and life jackets are stored in the LGF area of the Pavilion. o Use of the pavilion storage space for their setup and a few items (i.e. boat cover) stored in basement. ## • Beach Dock o Use of the beach dock during the week ## • Maintenance Building o Storage space and for the electric golf cart in the maintenance building during winter. ## • Blakeley Bluffs Cold Storage o Storage space for the pontoon during the winter. What went well this year? • Let’s Go Fishing Staff is a great addition to our workflow and helping train volunteers • The program seems to be busy every week. • Exposed a lot of seniors to the park • CLF gets cross promoted through their promotion • Created lots of smiles • Hired seasonal staff working on behalf of LGF What Challenges were worked through this year? • Sometimes the gate was left open. • Aging boat that needed repairs. • Let’s Go Fishing does not have exclusive use to the shelter or the building, and renters or programs may have the priority. The Scott County Park staff and LGF have managed these situations in previous years. Recently, the Park staff missed updating LGF about an upcoming rental, which provided an opportunity for LGF and the Park staff to reconnect and review processes to improve communication about space usage. What changes/improvements are Scott-Three Rivers staff recommending/asking of LGF? • Make sure equipment gets put away after the program and the gate is closed. • Provide our work group with a schedule. (When programs start/end and weekly use through the summer) • Having a contact list/ LGF phone list at Cleary Lake Visitor center for staff to redirect calls. ## Liaison • Tom Balk acts as Park Liaison to the Scott County Chapter of Let’s Go Fishing’s board. Overall feedback and recommendation from staff: The Let’s Go Fishing program serves populations that are underserved not only by Scott County regional parks but by the entire Metropolitan Regional Park system. Those populations include older retirees, and people with physical and cognitive disabilities. The program is an asset to both the park and community. The program is compatible with the daily use of the park, and it allows many people to see the park that would not get to otherwise. It’s a great program and partnership. Staff recommend continuation of the partnership with Let’s Go Fishing. ## Attachments ## 1- Presentation Slides threeriversparks.org763-559-6700 Wellness in the Parks ## April ## WELLNESS IN THE PARKS Spring is in the Air ## FEATURED ## UPDATES: ## Rec Pass Plus Trail of the Month ## South/Lakeside Trails @ ## Spring Lake ## Regional Park ## Outdoor Qigong & ## Wildflowers Trail of the Month Catch glimpses of sunsets and migratory birds as they soar over the lake during the month of April at Spring Lake ## Regional Park’s South Entrance ~.4 paved trails. Walking along the lake, you will find multiple alcoves and perches to enjoy lake views and all spring has to offer in Minnesota! ## Park at 2201 Spring Lake Road SW, Prior Lake, MN 55372. Extend your walk by crossing the street to the north to add on anywhere from 1.2 -3 more miles. ## The trail to Outdoor Qigong on April 26 often features spring wildflowers like Dutchman’s breeches. You will notice that some of our public programs will have a fee. Please apply for fee assistance if this is a barrier. The thaw of previously frozen water is one of the most exciting times of the year, bringing with it more color, fresh scents, and a vibrant acoustic landscape. Spring is the sound of trickling water, of birdsong floating through the air, of the symphonic call of spring peepers. This month we have a walking series that will bring you to our most active natural auditory environments in Scott County! threeriversparks.org763-559-6700 ## SOUNDS OF SPRING WELLNESS WALKS ## WEDNESDAYS│5:30 – 6:30 PM ## APRIL 15 SPRING LAKE REGIONAL PARK I 2201 SPRING LAKE RD ## APRIL 22 DOYLE KENNEFICK REGIONAL PARK I 4275 235 ST E ## APRIL 29 MURPHY HANREHAN - MINNREGS I 17873 JUDICIAL RD These guided 2-2.5 mile walks feature wetlands burbling with spring peepers, bird migration hot spots and prairies abuzz with spring sounds. Each walk will feature a brief wellness activity at the midpoint. Join for one or join for all. Free. ## WELLNESS IN THE PARKS PROGRAMS ## OUTDOOR QIGONG ## CLEARY LAKE REGIONAL PARK ## SUNDAY, APRIL 26│ 11 AM - 12 PM Join guest teaching artist Scott Stafford for Outdoor Qigong, a guided practice focused on finding flow with nature through breath and movement. This class will offer techniques for quieting the mind and easing the body, including seated and standing sequences from tai chi and qigong forms to promote overall well- being and balance. No experience necessary. A yoga mat or towel for sitting on is recommended. $15 ## MORNING STRETCH & STROLL: ## 55+ WALKING CLUB ## CLEARY LAKE REGIONAL PARK ## MONDAYS, APRIL 6, 13, 20, 27│ 9:00 – 9:45 AM Start your Monday mornings with fresh air, movement and good company! Developed in partnership with Club Prior, for adults ages 55+ looking to boost their health by walking outdoors on a paved path at a distance of a little over a mile. These quick guided walking sessions will help you maintain your mobility and cardiovascular health. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. All fitness levels are welcome. Free. threeriversparks.org763-559-6700 How do I register? Scan the QR code or click the yellow link to view our complete list of programs. ## WELLNESS IN THE PARKS PROGRAMS Are you a part of a community group in Scott County that would benefit from a private program? Are you interested in hosting a FREE wellness program for your group at one of our locations? Reach out to parkwellness@co.scott.mn.us for more information. Wellness in the Parks is a Scott County Parks initiative ## funded through the Metropolitan Council’s Equity Grant ## Program and Statewide Health Improvement Project (SHIP) and is implemented in partnership with Three Rivers Park District. We provide both public and private wellness- based programs to the community. New to Wellness Programs? ## Community Partnerships ## ThreeRiversORS OutdoorRecSchool ## ThreeRiversORS OutdoorRecSchool April 2026 ## Recreation Program Calendar ## SPRING HIKING CLUB SERIES ## SCOTT COUNTY PARKS SATURDAYS, April 4–May 2 | 10–11:30 a.m. Welcome the beauty of spring with Saturday morning hikes! Explore the parks in Scott ## County with an Outdoor Recreation School ## instructor. Hike trails at Cleary Lake Regional ## Park, Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park, Murphy- ## Hanrehan Park Reserve, Doyle-Kennefick Regional Park and Spring Lake Regional Park. Get outdoors, connect with nature and enjoy a supportive community. Expect variable trail conditions. Locations subject to change; an updated schedule will be provided to registered participants. Ages 16+. $30/five sessions. ## APRIL FOOL’S GEOCACHING ## DOYLE-KENNEFICK REGIONAL PARK SATURDAY, APRIL 4 | 1–2:30 p.m. ## Join the Outdoor Recreation School for an afternoon of fun, laughter and playful tricks in the world of geocaching! Learn geocaching basics and search for caches of humor, surprises and unique challenges. Equipment provided. Participants ages 11 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult. All ages welcome. $8/person. ## SPRING FLING ARCHERY ## CLEARY LAKE REGIONAL PARK SATURDAY, APRIL 11 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. Spring is in the air, so let’s fling some arrows! ## Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors to enjoy a lighthearted archery session filled with beginner instruction, colorful targets and spring-inspired challenges. Whether it’s your first time shooting or you’ve tried archery before, this program is all about laughing, learning and celebrating the season together. Equipment provided. Ages 8+. $12/person. ## Outdoor Recreation School Recreation@ThreeRiversParks.org | 763-694-7717 Scan the QR code to search & register! ## FLY FISHING BASICS ## CEDAR LAKE FARM REGIONAL PARK MONDAY, APRIL 27 | 5:30–8 p.m. ## Join the Outdoor Recreation School to discover the rhythms and techniques of fly fishing. Learn about equipment, casting, shooting the line, fly types and presentation. Equipment and fishing license provided for class only. Please wear closed-toe shoes and if you’d like to get closer to the action shoes that can get wet and muddy or waders. Ages 12+. $15/person. ## HOMESCHOOL DROP-OFF SERIES: ## ARCHERY CLUB ## CLEARY LAKE REGIONAL PARK MONDAYS, APRIL 27–MAY 18 | 1–2:30 p.m. Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to explore the sport of archery. Learn the fundamentals of archery in a safe and supportive environment. Participants will learn proper form, safety techniques, and target shooting through practice, games and challenges. Whether you are a beginner or looking to improve your skills, our club fosters confidence, patience and empowerment. No prior experience is necessary. Equipment is provided. Ages 10-17. $48/person.